Instructors and Retention
Instructors have a very important role in retention. Sometimes it is difficult to connect with students because instructors teach so many classes. I like to use the Dear Teacher letter as a means to connect. This is just a weekly writing telling me how their week has been and they are allowed to write about anything. They also ask me questions and I answer them, making the letters more personal. This way I get to learn about issues they are having and they feel a connection to me. Sometimes you just have to ask. Like the reading said, many students wait until it is too late to ask for help.
I believe that it is something we can implement, and I think that a lot of instructors already do this informally. The challenge with this is not in reaching out to our students, but in getting them to respond. If we could connect with every student, then those who are at risk could be identified sooner, and maybe we could "save" them before they get too overwhelmed and give up. This requires a team effort, and it starts on the instructor level. I can discuss this idea with the Retention Team and test it out.
Lisa, is this a practice you can implement? Is it a practice that could be shared with your colleagues at a profession development session or staff meeting?
I like the idea of a Dear Teacher letter. One of the biggest problems we have is not knowing what is going on with our students until it is too late. The concept of the Dear Teacher at least give the student the opportunity to share as much or as little of their lives with us as they want. It's much easier to work with a student when we have an idea of the struggles they face, rather than feeling that they aren't interested or don't care about coming to class.
Those students will simply provide the minimum information to satisfy the requirement, Russell. That's important information about the student's communication style, too.
I do like the "Dear Teacher" letter idea. It would allow me to connect with the students on both an educational as well as a personal level. I believe it allows the student to "open up" with their instuctor and "humanizes" the instructor. If we know what the students problem is, we can at least refer them to the appropriate individual or service. this allows for more open communication which may aid in retention.
I agree this is a great idea but some students may take it as prying .
Right you are, Gordon. Do you have the guidelines and resource lists that you need to support your students?
I agree that instructors play a important role in retention. I feel they we play the most important role.
Your "Dear Teacher" letter is a good idea.
Since institutions turn to us as instructors we need specific and detailed guidelines to follow, we need to know what resources are availible to students and who to refer them to, and we need to know how to inneract and support students that are about to leave.
Personal issues become relevant when they impact the student's ability to perform. They should be encouraged to discuss other issues outside of class.
I think this is a great idea but where does getting too personal with the students come in? I am a clinical instructor and it seems like every clinic session, students are talking about personal issues and its very hard for me to stay 'business like' with them. I do think your idea is good!
This is a great idea, Jessica. It is like the suggestion box for educators.
Holly, do you plan to try this idea in your classes?
What a good idea for students in class. It shows them that you are interested in their home lives as well as open to share yours. Connected!
I'm not currently using it or I should say I haven't been but in week four of my current class of ten students for Mass Media I will begin implementation next week.
Barney, are you using the "Dear Teacher" practice now? If so, would you share your results?
I'm Barney Sentner and I teach at a broadcast oriented career college and yes I like the "Dear Teacher" concept and I'd think it would be best to initiate it right away instead of waiting until the midterm time frame when necessary and/or unnecessary attrition factors may be not be reversible. I also tell my students in week one I partner with them - they are my customers and I am there to help them succeed. This does not mean I am their best friend or confidant, but whatever I can do to help them succeed in my class I will certainly try.
I love this idea! Students have a hard time discussing their woes in person, and sometimes over the phone as well. They seem to migrate to email, which is great, or texting - seems less intimidating, and will try this too!
I teach English so there's many opportunities for me to connect with students. I think if every class did a Dear Teacher Letter at midterm time, it would be beneficial.
Great idea, Jessica! What subject do you teach? Would this work in a technical subject course?
